The Greek Cypriot daily ‘Simerini’
reported that technicians from the French MBDA company visited South Cyprus in
order to increase the range of the Mistral anti-aircraft missiles belonging to
the Greek Cypriot National Guard from 5 kilometres to 6.4 kilometres.
The daily reported that the Greek Cypriot
Defence Ministry announced that the cost of upgrading these missiles was 30
million Cyprus Pounds and the relevant agreement on this issue was
implemented. It said that as a result of a pre-payment of 8 million Cyprus
Pounds being paid, 6 technicians from the French company went to South Cyprus
and it will take them approximately two months to complete their work.
Meanwhile, the Greek Cypriot Defence
Ministry has also enforced another agreement whereby the range of the Aspide
missiles will be increased from 13 kilometres to 16 kilometres.
The daily also stated that because it was not possible to
increase the range of the Aspide missiles in South Cyprus, it was expected
that these missiles would be taken to Italy.
